"I'm worthy of being a ONE world champion" - Redemption-seeking Takeru will enter ONE Friday Fights 81 with a point to prove
Takeru is out to make a statement when he returns at ONE Friday Fights 81 on September 27. The Japanese superstar will be walking into Lumpinee Stadium with one thing on his mind: earning his first win under the ONE banner.
His huge debut in the promotion at ONE 165 earlier this year certainly showed what he is made of as he engaged in an instant classic with Superlek Kiatmoo9. However, this defeat has aged well after what 'The Kicking Machine' has gone on to do since Takeru knows that he belongs at the elite level.
The former K-1 world champion is set to return against lethwei striker Thant Zin who is a replacement opponent for Black Panther.
In an interview with ONE Championship, he spoke about why this fight is so important for him at this stage.
His opponent currently stands in the way of him returning to the title picture, and that's not something he will stand for:
"I need to keep showing that I'm worthy of being a ONE world champion until I get there, so I will definitely win this fight."
Takeru proved he is champ material at ONE 165
Though he may have left the Ariake Arena in Japan without the ONE flyweight kickboxing world championship, Takeru showed in his encounter with Superlek that he's also competing at the elite tier.
However, that makes his next outing dangerous because he cannot afford to take his opponent for granted.
'The Natural Born Crusher' wants to prove himself in this fight, but the same can be said for Thant Zin, who has the biggest opportunity of his career on his hands.
Given the style that both men bring to the table, you can expect a firefight at Lumpinee Stadium when Takeru returns to action in a fascinating clash of styles.
ONE Friday Fights 81 will air live in Asian primetime via watch.onefc.com